What special things do you do (traditions) for back to school?

[#2ontheway]

Our oldest is about to start preschool. Other than the first day picture, I'd love some ideas about traditions we could start. I had thought about a new backpack but the school doesn't require (and they don't need) them. How do you celebrate the occasion and what traditions have you carried on each year?

[ahisma]

We go out to dinner at the same restaurant after the first day of school every year and all talk about how our day went.

[KpbS]

We took pictures in the morning and I took the kids for smoothies after school and made one of their favorite dinners. Also wrote notes on their napkins for the first day.

[KrisM]

I started out having chocolate chip cookies ready, but then the first day got so messed up, we haven't done much. It was easy the first 2 years, as just DS1 was in preschool. Then, he went to Kindergarten and a week later, DD went to preschool...so 2 firsts. Then a couple years later, DS1 started 2nd on a Tuesday, DD started kindergarten on Wed. and DS2 started preschool the following Monday! I gave up. This year, DS1 and DD start on the same day and DS2 goes to orientation that day, so maybe I'll try again!

[Ceepa]

Photos on the first day and maybe a sweet treat after school.

[hillview]

Photos for first day.

[JBaxter]

I do pictures the first day of school but thats all. Maybe pizza for dinner.

[ZeeBaby]

I do pictures on the first day and a new outfit. DD asked to go to a restaurant for dinner, we will do that this year.

[Simon]

Growing up we did photos and lunch out to eat. My Mom would take time off work and we'd go together or with another Mom/Daughter who were friends. It was a nice tradition and let us talk about our day; we did highs/lows.

Buying some new back to school clothes together with Grandma is also a long standing tradition, too.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Just a picture in the same spot each year. I like low maintenance, easy traditions.